At a glance

PROS

Sound

Handling

Ride

Design

CONS

Wind buffetting

Boot shape not practical

Verdict

The Jaguar F-Type is an all-new, two-seater open top sports car, something that the British company has not produced in many years. Front engined with a choice of three engines, it is exclusively rear-wheel drive and - for now - features a fabric roof.

From looks to on-road behaviour, Jaguar has designed and built this car for one purpose: performance. The interior is completely driver focused, and the response of the steering, throttle, engine and gear changes are all designed to engage the driver into the experience.

Choose from two V6 and one V8 engine

The Jaguar F-Type comes with choice of three engines, starting with an entry-level 3.0-litre petrol V6 strong enough for a 5.1 second 0-60mph sprint and 161mph top speed. Fitting a supercharger to the same engine knocks the 0-60mph sprint down to 4.8 seconds and raises the top speed to 171mph.

Top models receive the V8 Supercharged engine, which leaps out of the blocks on its way to a 4.2 second 0-60mph dash before reaching its 186mph maximum. Strangely Jaguar claims all top speeds, despite their differing numbers, are artifically limited. All models come with an eight-speed automatic that shifts quickly through its ratios.

Driver Focused

There is no doubt when sat in the driver’s seat you can feel the car wrapping around you. Sitting low with your back close to the rear axle, the switches on the main console look like they've come out of a fighter jet while the car is started with a button rather than a key.

There are plenty of neat design touches including flush fitting door handles that automatically pop out when the car is unlocked, and retract as you start to roll. Projector lights embossed with the Jaguar script and a metallic orange finish for the starter button, paddle shifters (black as standard on the V6) and Dynamic Mode flick switch complete the look.

Another trick detail is the on-demand vents from the top of the dashboard, which rise when in use and lower flush again when not.

The attention to detail isn't just visual though, as Jaguar engineers have created an exhaust system with an evocative hard-edged bark as the revs increase and a burbling, popping sound when you lift off the throttle. It really adds to driver engagement and delivers a sense of occasion that some rivals struggle to match.

Read on for the full Jaguar F-Type review and find out just how good this muscular sports car really is.